Cocktail dress?

I've been invited with DH to go to a glitzy TV event/awards evening-type thing. The dress code is "lounge suits and cocktail dresses". Anything I have in my wardrobe from past Xmas parties and the like is too small. I have just shelled out on this:

I love that bag notMarlene - might look for something leather, in a colour, in my budget and see what I come up with - really fancy a coloured clutch! My best earrings are pearls with little diamonds which won't go so I might look for some believable costume ones that aren't too OTT.

Love that hairdo it but might just make me look a bit messy! Will have an experiment.

Anyway, even if I end up doing the matching shoes and bag shocker I feel in pretty good shape for Sunday!

Well ladies I'm here to report back on my shopping trip to Harvey Nicks!

Firstly, there's 30% of clothes and 20% off accessories in store and online. Whoop whoop! Glad I didn't purchase earlier in the week!

Secondly, I got a dress which I think breaks all of the rules you helpful ladies set me <sorry> BUT I had the best time with the assistant bringing me dozens of dresses to try and my two DDs causing a bit of havoc in there

My reasoning was this: It looks amazing on, really suits my shape, so flattering and really comfortable. It's quite short, even on me, but not indecently so, so it feels and looks "cocktail" not "day" or "office" (or middle-age woman per her classic 'wrap') and 2) I'll get quite a bit of wear out of it, esp. as it feels so good on. I tried loads of stuff, Alexander Wang, Philip Lim, McQ, Kenzo but that one ticked all the boxes. Also I forgot to say, when the passes for the event came, the paperwork said the dresscode was "smart" and went on to say "we suggest cocktail dresses/loungesuits", so I was a bit less comfortable doing sequin for "smart".

What's the verdict? And if you want to accessorise me up from shops I can get to in London tomorrow during my Xmas shop then please do! DH had set me a £550 budget and with discount the dress came in at £250ish - I'm a cheap date

Oh, and I'm booked for a blowdry. Straight with fringe or wavy and swept fringe? Or up <won't I look like a bridesmaid though>?

I really like you patterned VW dress (to me it is a superb day dress, but I might not wear it at night). In my experience it's a good idea to have a solid color or black one as well. For the reference, I have at least 10 cocktail dresses in my wardrobe

I agree with donaana The blue sequin one would be my choice for you. Or if you can get into Harvey ??Nichols or Selfridges Victoria Beckham dresses are very nice and I saw some beautifully cut cocktail dresses when I was in a few weeks ago.

Doesnt have to be black - but should be knee length or slightly above not a mini.

Of your dress choices, the two first ones would work (I like the blue although I'm not into sequins - it has great clean lines and good visual impact), the last one is a bit dull and unflattering, could look ageing.

I often wear color rather than black for cocktails. Black is fine for blending in but color gets much more attention.

Your VW dress might work for an award thing - people will pick items that maximize visual impact.

I go to a lot of cocktails (next one tonight), they are more conservative than your ceremony but here are the rules:

1. To fit in, wear knee-length black. Many others will too - it's the safe look. The simpler cut, the better.2. Wear a standout color. In the parties I go to, this is often cream, nude, red, cobalt blue or any jewel tone. You can wear something more adventurous to your party if you wish.3. Most people avoid pattern - it can look busy and dodgy in photos.4. Pashminas, cardigans, sequins and ostrich feathers are provincial unless expertly done - better steer clear. Big swarowski crystals on designer dresses are fine, but anything that says office Christmas party is not.5. Pick shoes that you can actually walk and stand in - I've ruined too many parties with shoes that hurt.

You know I fear you'd risk looking provincial in traditional cocktail without any sort of edge or twist. LOve the black and I bet the blue is stunning IRL. Could you order both and return?

The KG shoes would be fab with the black job (did you see the silver version, possibly subtler. great with the blue). If you love em it'd be worth giving the a shot, you'll only end up wishing you'd made more of the last remnants of youth your 30s

The black VW one you linked to is the black version of my dress. If I say so myself the salon print looks great on (the pic I linked to doesn't do it justice) and goes fine with the black courts and gold bag - just concerned it didn't look traditionally "cocktail" as confirmed by others upthread.

Thanks for the suggestions but they all look like something that someone in their 50s or 60s would wear, except the coloured one which looks like a bridesmaids dress. (I'm 36). I don't want to look so dated or that I've raided the racks and racks of "every Xmas we roll out the same old occasion wear". I could spend more if it's going to get some more run outs but it would have to be something I'd want to be seen in not something worn under sufferance of dress code.

Gah, I know I'm sounding mean and moody - sorry, I should be excited about this. Will have a trawl and see what I come up with.